International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics
The foundation promotes human betterment through experimental economics to improve the understanding of exchange systems.* ifree funds primary research in market and personal exchange systems* ifree sponsors participatory, hands-on, educational workshops, interdisciplinary academic discussions, and outreach programs for those outside the economics profession.
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics at a glance
In short: International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics gave $394K across 8 grants in 2021 (avg $49K), mostly in Alaska. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2021)
- $393,919
- +160.8% vs 2020
- Grants made (2021)
- 8
- +33.3% vs 2020
- Average grant
- $49,240
- +95.6% vs 2020
- Median grant
- $9,980
- Primary geography
- Alaska (79% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2021 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2021; updated September 2026.
Who International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was Alaska Community Foundation ($310K). Together the top 8 received $394K.
Grant Size Distribution
24 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 20 grants of 24 (83%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2021 grant dollars across all 8 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2021, annual grant giving ranged from $151K (2020) to $394K (2021). In 2021 it made 8 grants totaling $394K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Community Foundation Anchorage, AK | Experimental Economics Education | $310,000 |
| Chapman University Orange, CA | Experimental Economics Education | $26,815 |
| University of California Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA | Experimental Economics Research | $10,000 |
| Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA | Experimental Economics Research | $10,000 |
| Brown University Providence, RI | Experimental Economics Research | $9,960 |
| President and Fellows of Middlebury College Middlebury, VT | Experimental Economics Research | $9,944 |
| Research Foundation for the State University of New York Albany, NY | Experimental Economics Research | $9,600 |
| Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY | Experimental Economics Research | $7,600 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | $15,455 | $563,970 | $393,919 | 8 | $15,455 |
| 2020 | $635,515 | $53,587 | $306,313 | $151,020 | 6 | $27,587 |
| 2019 | $913,789 | $85,503 | $432,050 | $264,846 | 10 | $40,436 |
About International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics
Based on IRS filings
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics is a public charity focused on Social Science, based in Tucson, AZ. IRS filing data is available from 2019 through 2021. In 2021, it awarded 8 grants totaling $394K. Net investment income was $15K.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics is led by Vernon Smith, President & Founder on every filing since 2019; none of the 8 officers listed in 2021 report compensation.
Officers on the 2021 filing
Vernon Smith
President & Founder
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Gasaway
Chairman of the Board
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cary Deck
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diane Kaplan
Director
On filings since 2019
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Murphy
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tucker Andersen
Director
On filings since 2019
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Candace Smith
Vice President
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carol Breckner
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2021. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics
How much does International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics give each year?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics gave $394K across 8 grants in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990. In 2020 it gave $151K across 6 grants.
What is International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's typical grant size?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's median grant in 2021 was $9,980, and its average grant was $49,240, across 8 grants on its 2021 IRS Form 990.
Where does International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics give grants?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics gives mostly in Alaska: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2021 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was California (9%).
Does International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics give general operating support?
Not in 2021: none of the 8 grants with a stated purpose on International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's 2021 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Experimental Economics Research" (6 grants).
Who are International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's largest grantees?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's largest 2021 grantees include Alaska Community Foundation ($310,000), Chapman University ($26,815) and University of California Santa Cruz ($10,000), according to its 2021 IRS Form 990. Together they received 88% of its itemized 2021 grant dollars.
What is International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics is a public charity focused on Social Science, based in Tucson, AZ.
What is International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's EIN?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 86-0879713. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2021.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(4)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS April 7, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 7, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 22, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2021
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